If you’re a parent in Naperville and have concerns about your child’s development, you’re not alone, and you’re taking an important first step by seeking information. Many families notice early signs of autism and aren’t sure what they mean, when to act, or where to begin.
This guide is designed to help Naperville families understand:
- Common signs of autism
- Why early screening and evaluation matter
- What the testing process generally looks like
- How Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education can support your family through the next steps
Understanding the Early Signs of Autism
Autism looks different for every child, but there are some common developmental signs parents may notice in infancy or early childhood. These signs don’t necessarily mean a child has autism—but they can indicate that a screening may be helpful.
Some early signs may include:
- Limited eye contact or difficulty responding to their name
- Delayed speech or lack of verbal communication
- Repetitive movements (hand flapping, spinning, lining up toys)
- Limited interest in social interaction or play with others
- Difficulty with transitions or changes in routine
- Sensory sensitivities to sounds, textures, or lights
Why Autism Screening Is So Important
Early screening helps identify developmental differences as soon as possible. Research consistently shows that early identification and intervention can make a meaningful difference in a child’s communication, social skills, learning, and daily independence. Through screening, families can gain clarity and answers, better understand their child’s unique strengths and needs, and access support sooner rather than later. Having this information early can also reduce stress and uncertainty by providing a clearer path forward. Screening can still offer valuable insight into developmental patterns and help guide appropriate support.
For families who are unsure whether a full diagnostic evaluation is needed, Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education offers free, online autism screening tools that parents can complete from the comfort of home. These include the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT), a widely used screening tool for toddlers (ages 16-30 months), and the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), designed for school-aged children (ages 4-11 years). Both screeners are evidence-based and provide quick results to help parents better understand whether further evaluation may be recommended. The process is simple, confidential, and takes just a few minutes to complete, all while giving families clearer direction without pressure or obligation.
What Autism Testing Typically Involves
Autism testing—also referred to as a diagnostic evaluation—is typically conducted by a qualified healthcare or developmental professional with specialized training in autism assessment. This may include a developmental pediatrician, licensed psychologist, neuropsychologist, or other credentialed clinician experienced in diagnosing autism spectrum disorder.
The diagnostic evaluation may include:
- Parent interviews and developmental history
- Direct observation of the child
- Standardized assessments
- Review of communication, social interaction, and behavior
The process is designed to be thorough, thoughtful, and centered on understanding the child as a whole.
For many families in the Naperville area, figuring out how to access testing is one of the biggest challenges. That’s where having guidance matters. Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education helps families understand the evaluation process, prepare for next steps, and navigate what to do after results are received, so parents don’t feel like they’re navigating this journey alone.
How Cultivate Supports Naperville Families
At Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education, we understand that navigating autism testing may feel overwhelming. While we do not perform diagnostic evaluations ourselves, we support families every step of the way by helping them understand:
- When a formal diagnostic evaluation may be appropriate
- What questions to ask during the evaluation process
- How to prepare for the next steps after a diagnosis
Once a child has received a diagnosis, our team at Cultivate Behavioral Health & Education can help families explore Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, an evidence-based approach focused on building meaningful skills and supporting long-term growth.
Our goal is to help families move forward with confidence, clarity, and compassionate care.
Serving Families in the Naperville, IL Area
We proudly support families throughout Naperville and surrounding communities by providing:
- Clear, parent-friendly education
- Guidance after diagnosis
- Personalized ABA therapy services for eligible families
- A collaborative, family-focused approach
You don’t need to have everything figured out to reach out. Sometimes, starting with a conversation is the most important step.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
If you’re concerned about your child’s development or wondering whether autism testing is right for your family, Cultivate is here to help you navigate what comes next. Contact our team today to take the first step.
